Pratibha Sharma
The arrival of a comprehensive book “Journalism and Mass Communication” has come with a fresh year with ample knowledge on the mass media-its structure of operation and impact on the public opinion. This 318-page book has been published by the Yking Books, New Delhi for the scholars, media persons and even the common people.
New ideas and latest developments in the craft of mass communication have been ably projected in this book by Dr. Sudhir Soni of the Rajasthan University having long experience in the journalistic field. In the Preface, he opines, “The scope of journalism is very vast and all pervading this book “Handbook of Journalism and Mass Communication” attempts to include all the important aspects, as far as possible which play important role in the field of journalism. In the present context and in the perspective of democratic set up, media is, in fact, eyes and ears of the society. It is my sincere hope that this book will prove to be invaluable for the students at every level and the others who have inquisitive mind.
A noteworthy feature is that Dr Sudhir Soni has dedicated this book to the “Future Journalist” who has to lead the way through his professional performance and excellence.
The Handbook of “Journalism and Mass Communication” has 41 chapters on various issues concerning journalism as well as mass communication. The main topics in shape of chapters are: “Journalism: Meaning, Nature, Scope and Its Different Types; Indian Journalism Before and After Independence; Journalism Abroad Information Technology; Development Communication; Correspondents ; Feature Writing; Radio Journalism; Television Journalism; New Information Technology; Internet Revolution; Media Management and also Media Ethics”.
Subject-wise Details
The chapter,” Indian Journalism-Before and After Independence” makes one informative about the condition of the newspaper/magazines along with their role in the freedom struggle and later in the nation building programmes. The important newspapers and some of the newspapermen who make significant contribution for the attainment of freedom have been written in golden words. It may be mention that many of the notable freedom fighters were connected, one way or other, with journalism and to name only a few notables were: Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, who were very skillful communicators and mobilized the masses.
Another informative and instructive chapter titled “Media Ethics” has few lessons for the practitioners of present day mass media. It has underscored some do’s and don’ts for the media persons to maintain their professional work on value-based and healthy grounds for greater good of the society. Awakened and bold media can rid the people of ills like social evils, corruption, moral, degradation and also infused a powerful spirit of new vision for charting a course for forward movement in all spheres.
Broad Perspective
In a democratic system, the mass media especially the T.V. channels and other means of communication have pivotal role in shaping the public opinion for governance. In our country with freedom of expression the media-both print and electronic-have assumed significant role and gained in size and stature. The Indian media has caught up with the rapidly growing technological advances and modern journalistic professional practices. So it is essential that those who are in the media must be well trained and equipped with the functioning of the media. In addition even the common citizens must be in know of the various aspects and functioning of the mass communication.
A noteworthy features of this book a rich mine of information on this all -important subject. The author has given detailed treatment to various aspects of journalism and mass media in a lucid and direct style quoting examples from the Indian perceptive.
Valuable Book
I got this book from the Yak Book Channel, Jammu. It has been well printed but priced at much higher level. Admittedly, the cost of production has gone up but the cost factor would make it beyond the reach of students of mass communication and also the common citizens. Anyway this 318-page book is a useful resource material for the young girls and boys aspiring to join the media profession. The politicians, academicians, administrators, budding journalist and intellectuals will be well advised to go through Sudhir Soni’s exhaustive book on mass media to up-date their knowledge on this subject. The book, however, is a must for the libraries of specialized institutions of journalism and mass communication.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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